Cotton Candy Machines & Displays

Cotton Candy Equipment: What You Need to Know

Cotton candy equipment includes more than just candy floss machines; domes, sneeze guards, and merchandisers are available to enhance any machine's operation. Merchandisers and displays can be used to arrange packaged cotton candy into eye-catching configurations, while installing a dome keeps the delicate fairy floss protected from wind currents, dust, insects, and germs as it's prepared. Cotton candy machine vending carts ease transportation and promote visibility, and clear glass cases offer an unobstructed view and operator access while shielding product from all sides.

Common Questions About Commercial Cotton Candy Machines

How do you make cotton candy in a commercial machine?

Commercial cotton candy machines produce candy floss by heating sugar to a precise melting temperature and then slinging the molten sugar through small openings in the center of the machine via centrifugal force. The wispy sugar strings cool immediately, sticking to each other and forming candy floss. Most units consist of a heating element, a floss head, and a bowl that collects the candy. Modern machines continue to evolve from these foundations, but they follow the same basic process of heating the sugar and spinning it into fine threads.

To make candy floss, you'll probably also need some cotton candy supplies, such as flavored sugar and packaging. Some typical steps for making cotton candy include the following:

• 1. Set the machine up on a level, stable surface. Make sure all switches and controls are in the off position and then connect the unit to an appropriate power supply.
• 2. Before turning the machine on, pour flavored candy sugar into the spinner head until it's almost full, ensuring even distribution.
• 3. Start the machine's motor and then activate the heat. The machine should begin producing candy floss within 30 seconds. Turn the machine off and let the floss head cool before refilling it.

How much does an industrial cotton candy machine cost?

Cotton candy makers span a wide range of capacities and budgets. The smallest type of commercial cotton candy machine for sale costs as little as $150 and can produce two to three servings per minute, making them suitable for low-volume applications. More powerful versions may cost as much as $2,000 and can produce seven or more servings per minute, increasing the rate at which product can be sold.

Which commercial cotton candy maker do I need?

Consider the volume of product you'll be producing and how quickly you'll need to produce it when choosing which machine best fits your needs.

Smaller models with fewer features are often more affordable and can produce one to three servings of candy floss per minute. These units are best suited for low-volume applications, such as birthday parties and catered affairs. Larger, more expensive models enable increased output and may come with a range of features, including surge protection, dual heating elements, and high-volume sugar capacities that enable back-to-back output. These machines are well suited for use at stadiums, carnivals, and state fairs.

Another consideration is element type.

Ribbon heating elements are the most common type of element used in commercial cotton candy makers and heat up more quickly than a tubular style. On the other hand, tubular elements can last longer before needing replacement. Ribbon elements are best for users operating their machine frequently, while the tubular options are preferable for lower-volume or sporadic usage because they withstand storage well.